Tsvangirai takes over in Zimbabwe, economy is first priority

Morgan Tsvangirai, the beleaguered leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, has been sworn in as Zimbabwe's prime minister. In a moment some would classify as pure irony, Tsvangirai was sworn in by his nemesis, President Robert Mugabe. Raising his hand, and speaking clearly, Mr. Tsvangirai took the three oaths as required by law. Among several African dignitaries there to witness the event was former South African president Thabo Mbeki who spent many long hours and weathered much criticism from across the globe trying to find a solution to Zimbabwe's political crisis. In his inaugural address, Mr. Tsvangirai said the first priority for the country's new unity government is to stabilise the country's ruined economy. In the face of Zimbabwe's 275 Million percent inflation rate, Tsvangirai promised that civil servants would be paid in foreign currency beginning this month. Mr. Tsvangirai has named Tendai Biti, his party's secretary general, to serve as finance minister. Mr. Biti has frequently denounced Mr. Mugabe as a dictator whose disastrous economic policies have impoverished the nation. Only last week, a judge withdrew treason charges against Mr. Biti that had been derided by civic groups and independent analysts as trumped up. With the new cabinet being sworn in on Feb. 13,the size of the task that awaits them is enormous and the complexities of it run very deep. Besides the rampant inflation, more than 70,000 people are infected with cholera, and the health and education systems are all but collapsed. Zimbabweans at home, and in the diaspora, will be watching anxiously, desperately hoping this new government will be able to start their country on the road to recovery.